Encirclement Of Town Practically Complete

Evening Star, Issue 25301, 9 October 1944, Page 5

Encirclement Of Town Practically Complete

Gap Between Two Allied Armies Closing Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright (Received noon.) LONDON, October 8. The American First Army launched a new assault east of Aachen at dawn to-day in a north-westerly direction to link up with the troops who breached the Siegfried Mne between Merkstein and Geilenkirchen, says Reuter's correspondent with the First Army. The gap between the two pincer arms is now only four miles, and the Aachen garrison, which includes 1,500 S,S. troops, is almost sealed off. The Americans are now fighting up the slopes of 800 feet high Crucifix Hill, four miles north-east of Aachen. They are meeting stiff resistance from mortars and well-placed pillboxes. The encirclement of Aachen is complete except for a gap north of the town, which is covered by First Army guns from commanding positions. • ■ The British United Press correspondent reports that a .file of infantrymen entered Aachen in moonlight in the early hours of to-day, and house-to-house fighting is already going on on a limited scale. - .'..'..-■'■ The Associated Press correspondent says clear weather enabled the -air forces closely to support the advancing First Army troops, who late to-day were within 1,000 yards of the main road "running eastward from Aachen to Cologne. There are some secondary roads to the Ehine, but all are exposed to American gunfire. American Third Army armoured forces and infantry early to-day began a new push on a 20-mile front between Metz and Nancy, reports the British United Press correspondent. Haze provided excellent cover. Early reports say the attack is progressing well. .